IPL: 5 Unbreakable records set by the Chennai Super Kings

3. The lowest successful score defended in IPL 

In a highly competitive league such as the Indian Premier League, teams generally don’t get away with a win without scoring even at a run-a-ball in the first innings of the match. Having said that, back in the day, Chennai Super Kings pulled off quite an amazing victory when they defended a score of 116 runs. 

This story is from the IPL 2009 when Chennai was playing Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Durban. Batting first, Chennai found it really difficult to get runs quickly. Parthiv Patel, who opened the batting for Chennai managed a 23-ball 32, after which CSK’s back almost broke. Some tight bowling meant Dhoni’s men had only 116 in the bag. 

However, on a slow surface, Dhoni used his spinners quite magnificently and pulled this victory. Ravichandran Ashwin, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Suresh Raina bowled 12 overs together, ending with figures of 2 for 13, 2 for 8, and 2 for 17. This allowed Chennai to restrict Punjab for only 92 runs in their 20 overs. This, to date, remains as the lowest score ever defended. With the IPL being played on more and more batting-friendly surfaces, it is unlikely that this record will be broken.